The Immediate Effects of Different Types of Ankle Support Introduced 6 Weeks After Surgical Internal Fixation for Ankle Fracture on Gait and Pain: A Randomized Crossover Trial

18 patients who underwent internal fixation for an isolated ankle fracture and completed 6 weeks of immobilization were included in this crossover randomized study to evaluate the different types of ankle support available. Patients' gait symmetry, range of motion, strength, and pain were assessed while wearing a stirrup brace, a walker boot, or a Tubigrip bandage as an ankle support. Although patients underwent testing with all three support types, randomization dictated which support was worn first. A significantly faster walking velocity and wider step width was reported in the walker boot group in comparison to the Tubigrip support while both stirrup brace and walker boot supports yielded comparable step length asymmetry and reduced single support time in comparison to the Tubigrip group. Pain levels were significantly higher in the Tubigrip group compared to the other two ankle supports. However, the majority of patients chose the Tubigrip ankle support as their preferred support type.